Back around the end of November I installed a new ignition key because the old one was worn and and I wanted matching door locks for my full doors.
Changing out the key tumbler was not difficult but did require removing the steering wheel, using special loaner tools (Thanks to AutoZone). The entire event took about an hour mostly due to internal damage of the old tumbler.
Popped in the new one, put it all back together, and all worked well.... until it didn't. They key release lever started getting stuck half way up and down which prevented the key from turning on or off.
This week I decided to dive in a a lot deeper into the non-tilting steering column in order to access the release lever. This meant repeating the steps I did last time but also, I chose to remove the column for easier access and evaluation. Actually not too big a deal, just a few bolts and nuts, and 4 multi wire connectors coming from the column.
As I was removing the column I notice some dirt spilling out. Ugh.
Sure enough, Mud daubers had a huge condominium complex inside the column.
Mud and crust everywhere!
Cleaned it all up, spray painted the metal column and shaft, cleaned and greased the bearing, an add new ignition and high-low beam switches.
All works like new now, nice and smooth.
It's all back together and installed now.
Changing out the key tumbler was not difficult but did require removing the steering wheel, using special loaner tools (Thanks to AutoZone). The entire event took about an hour mostly due to internal damage of the old tumbler.
Popped in the new one, put it all back together, and all worked well.... until it didn't. They key release lever started getting stuck half way up and down which prevented the key from turning on or off.
This week I decided to dive in a a lot deeper into the non-tilting steering column in order to access the release lever. This meant repeating the steps I did last time but also, I chose to remove the column for easier access and evaluation. Actually not too big a deal, just a few bolts and nuts, and 4 multi wire connectors coming from the column.
As I was removing the column I notice some dirt spilling out. Ugh.
Sure enough, Mud daubers had a huge condominium complex inside the column.
Mud and crust everywhere!
Cleaned it all up, spray painted the metal column and shaft, cleaned and greased the bearing, an add new ignition and high-low beam switches.
All works like new now, nice and smooth.
It's all back together and installed now.
Last edited: